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Toxic algae closes Anderson Lake again

Anglers looking forward to fishing at Anderson Lake are advised that Jefferson County Public Health and Washington State Parks have closed public access to the lake.

Jefferson County Public Health has determined that algae blooms in Anderson Lake are producing a dangerous neurotoxin, which poses a risk to public health, said Thom Johnson, a state district fish biologist for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.

"This is disappointing because Anderson Lake is very popular with local anglers and has been providing a very good fishery this spring, but the health risk is too high," he said.

Johnson reminded anglers that other lakes in east Jefferson County have been stocked with trout, including Horseshoe, Ludlow, Sandy Shore, Silent, Tarboo and Teal.

The state Web site (www.wdfw.wa.gov/fish/plants/weekly/) provides information on locations, dates and the number of trout stocked in lakes throughout the state.

Information about state access areas is at www.wdfw.wa.gov/lands/water_access/index.html.

For questions or concerns about toxic algae, contact Jefferson County Public Health officials at 385-9444.

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